Remote control apparatus

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a remote control system, and more particularly relates to such a remote control system that is particularly adapted for the operation of filling a tanker truck from a water tank. The disclosed invention is such that the truck operator can readily control the entire fill-up operation from his seat in the cab of the tanker. The disclosed system is adapted to service tankers of different sizes, different lengths, different heights, and different capacities without the need for a tank attendant.

United States Patent 1191 Klein May 7, 1974 [54] REMOTE CONTROL APPARATUS 3,144,056 8/1964 Mosher 137/614.05 x

4 7 7 M l [76] Inventor Verde 2 133334 3x373 31:31 5 137/6137422 Coma, Call!" 91722 3,527,268 9/1970 Ginsburgh 141/98 [22] Filed: Mar. 13, 1972 E T l k k Primary xaminer-Henry K in sie [21] Appl' 23406l Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Albert L. Gabriel [52] us. c1. 137/344 57 ABSTRACT [51] Int. Cl B65j 1/06 The 1 present 1nvent1on relates to a remote control sys- [58] Field of Search 137/351, 355.2,35512, tem and more particularly relates to such a remote 137/ 141/98 control system that is particularly adapted for the 5 f operation of filling a tanker truck from a water tank. 6] Re erences C'ted The disclosed invention is such that the truck operator UNITED STATES PATENTS can readily control the entire fill-up operation from 2,963,227 12/1960 Lambert 137/355.2 X his seat in the cab of the tanker. The disclosed system 3,160,171 12/1964 Klein 137/344 is adapted to service tankers of different sizes, differ- 3,348,572 10/1967 Hall 137/344 em lengths, different heights, and different capacities 3,407,836 10/1968 Kelser 137/344 without the need for a tank attendant 3,156,255 11/1964 Gasquet et a1 137/344 2,683,621 7/1954 Boyer 251/12 X 11 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures sleosllls PATENTEDHAY 7 1914 saw u or 4 REMOTE CONTROL APPARATUS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION It is becoming increasingly important to be able to control utilization devices from a remote location, and many such remote control systems have been proposed to achieve this function. However, in general the proposed remote control systems have been complex and expensive. They have required relatively sophisticated apparatus, and have usually needed a power source that was quite large. Moreover, the usual prior art remote control systems have been such that they were used in relatively .civilized situations.

One particular situation of the above type, but one that has rather unusual requirements, is that of providing water during large construction projects. This situation arises as follows. The construction specifications carefully spell out the soil dampness to be maintained during construction operations in order that a resultant structure, be it a building, a roadway, etc., be built on soil that has been properly compacted and solidified. If the soil happens to be too damp or too dry, the resulting soil compacting and soil drying does not provide a base of the desired strength and characteristics. In fact, the moisture content of the soil is considered to be so important that the moisture content is repeatedly tested, one test being to take a given volume of soil and to weigh it before and after drying.

In order to achieve the desired moisture content for the soil, ithas become the practice to dampen the soil to the required cxtentby using tankers", i.e., trucks that carry water, and having the tankers then drive around, spraying the soil to the desired extent. In this way the specified water content is achieved.

Unfortunately, this procedure introduced several problems. One of these problems was that'of filling the tanker, and this was first solved by using a water hose connected to a water hydrant. As may be realized, filling tankers in this way was very slow and timeconsuming and therefore required many tankers, thus being objectionable because of the investment, and because ofthe number of tankers that stood idly by while awaiting their turn to fill up. Another solution to this fill-up problem was the use of a stationary water tank that was continually filled by the water hose, while being intermittently used to fill the tankers. The most recent solution to the above filling problem (as disclosed in US. Pat. No. 3,163,171 entitled Portable Storage Tank, issued to Richard F. Klein) was to have a water tank mounted on a trailer, the empty tank being towed to the construction site. There the tanker was elevated and continually filled with water from a convenient water hydrant. The elevation of the tank permitted it to discharge water into the tankers, the size of the tank providing a suitable hydrostatic pressure for a fast fill-up. While this above disclosed technique was one of the best available, it too had several disadvantages. Among these was the fact that it required an appreciable amount of manpower to service the tankers, and unfortunately, much of the manpower available at these construction sites was of the unskilled type. Another disadvantage was that the fill-up process was too slow, requiring numerous tankers. Still another disadvantage was the fact that the tanker driver and the tank attendant were both relatively idle during the fill-up interval.

Thus, while the above patented apparatus was quite an improvement over earlier systems, other improvements were still desirable, the necessary improvement preferably being in the field of remote control.

OBJECTIVES AND DRAWINGS It is therefore the principal object of the present invention to provide an improved remote control system.

It is another objectof thepresent. invention to provide an improved water transfer apparatus.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus for filling tankers.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved remote control apparatus for permitting the tanker driver to operate the disclosed fill-up apparatus.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide an improved water transfer apparatus that may be readily towed to the desired site.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide an improved water transfer apparatus that is adapted for tankers of different lengths, heights, and capacities.

The attainment of these objectives and others will be realized from the following specification, taken in conjunction with the drawings, of which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 shows a pictorial view of the subject water transfer apparatus in its towing configuration.

FIG. 2 shows a pictorial view. of the subject water transfer apparatus in its in use configuration.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the remote control apparatus.

FIG. 4 shows a top view of the remote control apparatus.

FIG. 5 shows an enlarged view of the hose tender apparatus in its in use configuration.

FIG. 6 shows the pivot-locking apparatus for the hose tender.

FIG. 7 shows an enlarged view of the hose tender in its towing configuration.

FIG. 8 shows retainer apparatus for the hose tender apparatus while it is in its towing configuration.

SYNOPSIS Broadly speaking, the present invention discloses a remote control system for permitting a tanker truck driver to oversee the fill-up procedure from the seat of his cab. When he has parked the tanker at the fill-up location, he merely inserts the end of a convenientlypositioned control hose associated with the water tank into a suitable receptacle of his truck, this simple operation causing the air supply system of the tanker to control the fill-up operation. When the fill-up operation has been completed; the tanker is driven away and the driver of the next tanker repeats the fill-up operation for his tanker.

Complete details of the subject water transfer structure will be found in the above cited patent but the pertinent portions thereof will be described briefly, and they are as follows.

THE TOWING CONFIGURATION As indicated above, the subject water transfer apparatus is adapted to be towed to the desired site. FIG. 1

shows a pictorial view of the water transfer apparatus in its towing configuration. As indicated in FIG. 1, the water transfer apparatus has a suitably braced trailer that includes a plurality of wheels and a towing tongue 11 so that the trailer 10 may be towed to the construction site. Trailer 10 includes a plurality (six in the illustration) of uprights 12a, 12b, 120, etc., that support a water tank 15.

One end of the water tank 15 is adapted to serve as the fill end, and has a fill pipe 16 that has an end coupling 17 that is adapted to be connected to a water hose whose other end is to be connected to a water hydrant. The upper end of the fill pipe 16 is connected to a fill valve 18 that is opened by suitable water level sensing means such as a float whose operation will be discussed later. A series of ladder steps at the end or the tank permits access to the exterior of the tank when this is desirable.

The other end of the tank 15 is adapted to serve as the discharge end and it may be seen from FIG. 1 that a discharge spout 20 is hingedly attached to a fixedly positioned discharge pipe 21, the discharge spout 20 being held in the illustrated folded position as part of the towing configuration. Suitable discharge apparatus, not visible in FIG. 1, is mounted on the discharge pipe 21, and will be illustrated and discussed later.

A control hose 24 (to be discussed later) is mounted on a hose tender 25, that will also be discussed in greater detail later, hose tender 25 being shown to be positioned parallel to the tank 15, this also being part of the towing configuration. Thus, the water transfer apparatus of FIG. 1 is in a relatively compact towing configuration, and, being empty of water, is also in its most lightweight condition. It may therefore be readily towed to the construction site and maneuvered to a location that is relatively convenient to both a water hydrant and to a parking space that is easily reached by the tankers that are to be filled with water.

THE IN-USE CONFIGURATION Once the water transfer apparatus of FIG. 1 has been properly sited, it is to be prepared for use, and this will be understood from FIG. 2. First of all, the wheels of the trailer are raised off the ground by any suitable means such'as a self-container hydraulic system (not shown) mounted on the trailer 10, so that the trailer 10 settles onto a preselected area of the ground, and thus stabilizes itself and its load. The tank 15 is then elevated, again using any suitable means such as hydraulic cylinders 22 actuated by the above mentioned selfcontained hydraulic system, the tank being supported in its elevated position as seen in FIG. 2 on telescopic extensions 26a, 26b, etc., of respective uprights 12 that engage in respective sleeves 27a, 2711, etc., that extend chordally through the tank. The tank is preferably locked in its elevated position by pegs 23 extending through the telescoping extensions 26a, 26b, etc.

The water pipe 16 is now coupled to a water hose 28 whose other end is connected to a water hydrant (not shown), so that the tank 15 fills to a level established by the fill valve 18 and its associated apparatus. Typical tankers of this type have a capacity ranging from about 6,000 gallons to about 12,000 gallons.

The weight of the filled tank is readily supported by the disclosed trailer framework. Preferably, the water hose 28 has a diameter of about six inches, and this continually re-establishes the desired water level in tank 15.

The discharge spout 20 is now unfolded, and is aligned with the discharge pipe 21. The hose tender 25 is positioned as indicated.

When the water transfer apparatus has been satisfactorily stabilized at the construction site, and has been suitably filled with water, it is now ready for use.

USAGE OF THE WATER TRANSFER APPARATUS The water transfer apparatus is used as indicated in FIG. 2. A tanker 30 is driven up to the water transfer apparatus, the tanker driver parking the tanker 30 in such a location that the fill opening of the tanker is located directly underneath the open end of the discharge spout 20. These drivers are so skillful that despite the lack of a good roadway, they can use their mirrors and cab windows to achieve the necessary alignment of the tanker opening and the discharge spout. If desired, a splash guard 32 may be used at the end of thedischarge spout 20 to minimize splashing, particularly when the tanker happens to vary somewahat in height.

COUPLINGS A slight digression at this point will be quite helpful in better understanding the operation of the remote control system.

It is well known that hoses are used for transmitting conditions of air pressure, vacuum, fluid flow, etc., to various locations so that the conditions of air pressure, vacuum, fluid flow, etc., may be made available at points other than those at which they originate. For convenience, the term air actuated will be used to designate these various conditions.

There are presently available a large number of air actuated utilization devices utilizing tools, drills, valves, motors, etc., and it is becoming increasingly important to be able to switch from one utilization device to another without appreciable loss of the particular condition. In order to permit this switching around of utilization devices, there are presently available a number of hose coupling devices for permitting the connection and disconnection of a selected utilization device to one of the indicated hoses. Most of these coupling devices are such that when the connection is broken, a check valve immediately closes off the hose to prevent loss of a particular condition of air pressure, vacuum, or the like. For convenience, these connections will be designated as separable connections, or separable elements.

Generally speaking, these separable elements usually comprise a plug element and a coupling element, and for convenience these elements will be designated as quick connect-quick disconnect devices, or more conveniently, as quick elements, quick plugs, quick couplings, etc.

USAGE OF THE WATER TRANSFER APPARATUS Once the tanker is suitably parked as indicated in FIG. 2, the driver reaches out of the cab window, and grasps the proximal end of the control hose 24, the control hose having been conveniently positioned for the drivers use by means of the control hose tender 25. The control base 24 is actually an air pressure line whose distal end is attached to a normally closed, air actuated, fast action discharge valve that is hidden from view in FIG. 2 but is positioned in the discharge pipe 21.

The tanker driver now inserts the plug at the proximal end of the control hose 24 into a mating quick coupling located at any convenient location in the control zone of the tanker, such control zone being hereby defined as the tanker cab, examples of such convenient location being on the control panel of the tanker, or on or underneath the dashboard of the tanker cab. The quick coupling is connected to the tankers pneumatic system.

Generally, the tankers air pressure system will have an air pressure ranging from 100 pounds to 150 pounds per square inch depending upon its design, most recent use, etc., the portion that operates the tankers brake system generally being regulated to about 60 pounds per square inch. Thus, suitable power is available for operating the discharge valve.

As soon as the plug of the control hose 24 is inserted into the quick coupling, it permits the air pressure of the tankerspneumatic system to be applied to the air actuated discharge valve, the discharge valve, in turn, assuming its open state and permitting the immediate discharge of water from tank 15 through the discharge spout 20 into the tank of the tanker 30.

As indicated above, it is extremely desirable to fill the tanker 30 as rapidly as possible, and in order to do this, it has been found advisable to use a conduit on the order of from about inches to about 20 inches in diameter for the discharge pipe, the discharge valve, and the discharge spout. For example, if 14 inch pipe is utilized for an 8,000 gallon tanker, this size of pipe permits a water flow of about 4,000 gallons per minute, so that the tanker is filled in about two minutes.

During the tanker fill-up operation, the tanker driver watches his water gauge that indicates the amount of water in the tanker, and when this gauge indicates that the tanker has been satisfactorily filled, the driver withdraws the control hose plug from the tanker cab quick coupling. This withdrawal removes the air pressure from the discharge valve and suitable biasing means, such as a spring or the like, causes the discharge valve to return to its normally closed state so that the water ceases to flow from the discharge spout 20. Since the tanker is now filled, the driver merely returns the control hose plug end to the control hose tender 25 and drives off in the tanker. Thus, each tanker fill-up generally only requires about one to two minutes, does 'not require any attendant, the tank 15 automatically refilling itself after each tanker fill-up.

REMOTE CONTROL DISCHARGE APPARATUS The discharge apparatus was indicated to be hidden from view in FIGS. 1 and 2, but is more completely shown in the side view of FIG. 3. This illustrates, among other features, the tank 15, the discharge pipe 21, and the discharge spout 20. Mounted in the discharge pipe 21 is a discharge valve 34 that is illustrated as being held in place by two flanges 35 that may be bolted to gether. Thus, the discharge valve 34 becomes part of the water discharge path, the discharge valve 34 being held in a normally closed state by means of suitable built-in biasing arrangement, and being held in open state by the air pressure applied by control hose 24 to actuator 36.

While the combination of the discharge valve 34 and actuator 36 may take a number of forms, the illustration shows actuator 36 to be of the axial type that causes its axially movable arm 38 to partially rotate a crank arm 38 that actuates the discharge valve 34. Thus, the airpressure from the tankers pneumatic system acting through the control hose 24, energizes the actuator 36 to open the discharge valve 34, the breaking of the connection between the plug end of the control hose and the mating control panel quick coupling de-energizing the actuator 36 to return the discharge valve 34 to its normal closed state.

There is a slight possibility that when the discharge valve 34 is closed to terminate the tanker fill-up, an appreciable amount of water may remain in the discharge spout 20, being held there by the vacuum formed by the completely closed discharge valve 34. Since this retained water might flow out of the discharge valve 20 at an inopportune time, this outflow is avoided by the use of a vent valve 41 that permits air to enter the discharge spout and to thus break the vacuum, vacuum valve 41 however being such that it does not permit the outflow of water therethrough.

DISCHARGE SPOUT HINGING It was previously indicated in FIG. 1 that the dis charge spout 20 is folded upwardly for the towing configuration, and indicated in FIG. 2 that it is unfolded" downwardly for the water transfer in-use configuration. One construction for permitting this is shown in FIG. 3. Here it will be seen that the discharge spout 20 has a flange 44 at its inner end, and that the discharge spout 21 has a similar fllange 45 at its outer end, the two flanges 44 and 45 being hinged together by means such as a hinge 47 having a pivot pin and two sets of ears affixed to respective flanges 44 and 45. Due to this hinged construction, the water discharge path may be broken as in FIG. 1, or it may be made continuous as in FIGS. 2 and 3. If desired, the continuous discharge path may be assured by bolting together the flanges 44 and 45.

In order to break the discharge path consisting of the discharge spout 20 and the discharge pipe 21, the discharge spout 20 is raised to its folded configuration. This action is conveniently achieved by means such as a cable 48 that is pulled upwards.

The raising of the discharge spout 20 is more easily achieved by the use of a winch 49 that may be affixed to the flanges 35, the winch handle .50 and a winch pulley 51 co-acting to wind up a cable 52 that passes over a pulley (not shown) that is affixed to tank 15 so that the cable 52 is actually continuous with the cable 48. In this way, winch 49 may be used to raise the discharge spout 20' to its upper position and to lower the discharge spout to its lower position.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the discharge apparatus indicating more clearly the operation of the actuator 36 and the winch 49, the cables 48 and 52 having been omitted for clarity of illustration.

I THE CONTROL HOSETENDER It was pointed out in connection with FIG. 2 that the tanker driver grasps the plug end of the control hose 24 which is held in a convenient location by the control hose tender 25. As indicated in FIG. 2, and as discussed in connection with FIGS. 3 and 4, the other end of the control hose 24 is fixedly attached to actuator 36.

Therefore, in order for the free end of the control hose 24 to be readily available to the tanker driver, the control hose 24 must be sufficiently long, and its free end must be readily available at a height and location that is convenient for the tanker driver. Moreover, the excess length of the control hose must be kept from dragging on the ground, and must be prevented from becoming hooked on protuberances.

This control hose tending is accomplished by a tending structure 25 that is shown in the enlarged view of FIG. to have an outer support rod 60 that telescopically engages an inner support rod 61, so that the control hose tender 25 has an adjustable length support rod structure. The support rod structure, in turn, has a plurality of hose supports 62 and hose support riders 63, the inner hose supports 62 being preferably fixedly positioned with respect to the control hose tender structure 25, whereas the outer hose support riders 63 are free to ride along the surface of the inner support rod 61 as it is telescoped and untelescoped relative to the outer support rod 60.

Moreover, the distal end of the inner support rod 61 preferably has attached thereto a hose hanger 65 that acts to lock the end control of the hose 24 at a given height above the ground.

A truss 66 and suitable bracing between the truss 66 and the outer support rod 60 assures that the control hose tender 25 is strong enough to carry the control hose 24 under the expected conditions. Thus, the control hose tender 25 tends to the problems of the control hose 24, and assures that the control hose is always free of obstacles and readily available to the driver of the tanker.

It should be noted from FIG. 2 that the elevation of the tender 25 and of the control hose 24 is such that the tanker driver can readily reach the plug end of the control hose, this elevation being typically about eight feet above the ground.

Referring back to FIG. 2, and to the discussion presented in connection therewith, it will be realized that these were representative of a particular size tanker. However, it will also be realized that there are many differently sized tankers, and while these may be properly parked at the water transfer apparatus, a problem arises in that their cabs may be at slightly different heights and/or locations.

The height problem is easily solved by allowing sufficient length for the vertical suspended portion of the control hose 24, and the length problem is easily handled by the telescoping arrangement of the control hose tender structure 25.

ANGULAR ORIENTATION OF THE TENDER DURING IN-USE CONFIGURATION Referring back to FIG. 2, this illustrates the situation wherein a tanker 30 is parked substantially perpendicularly to the tank 15, this situation having been achieved by precise positioning of the water transfer apparatus when it was stabilized, so that the tender 25 is substantially perpendicular to the tank 15. There are times however, when due to various conditions the water tranS- fer apparatus is not stabilized precisely perpendicular to the road along which the tankers approach. In cases such as these, the control hose tender 25 is preferably positioned at such an angular orientation to the tank that the tender 25 is parallel to the tanker, so that the tanker driver is able to readily reach the suspended end of the control hose. The desired angular orientation is achieved as follows.

It will be seen from FIG. 5 that the control hose tender 25 is pivotally attached to tank 15. The pivotal attachement is illustrated as incorporating a mounting bracket 67 that is affixed to tank 15, the mounting bracket 67 having a pair of apertured plates 68 and 69 that receive opposite ends of a pivot rod 70. Thus, the control hose tender 25 may assume various orientations around the pivot rod 70.

Once the desired angular orientation of the control hose tender 25 is achieved, it becomes desirable to lock the tender at this particular orientation. This result may be accomplished as indicated in FIG. 6. This illustration shows a top view of the lower aperture plate 69, the pivot rod 70 being illustrated as positioned in the aperture 71, for achieving the desired pivotal angular orientation of the tender 25.

The lower plate 69 is illustrated in FIG. 6 as having a plurality of arcuately positioned holes 72 that are adapted to receive a locking pin 73 that traverses the outer support rod 60 as indicated in FIG. 5. Thus, the tender 25 may be placed in any desired angular orient ation and may be locked in that orientation. In this way, the control hose tender 25 is adapted to compensate for angular deviation and stabilization, and for misalignments relative to the approach road.

ANGULAR ORIENTATION OF THE TENDER IN THE TOWING CONFIGURATION As indicated previously in connection with FIG. 1 and the discussion relating thereto, the hose tender 25 should be placed in a compact position for towing. This may be achieved as follows. Referring now to FIG. 7, it will be noted that it illustrates the tender structure 25 to be in an angular orientation that is substantially parallel to the tank 15. As discussed above, this. angular orientation may be achieved by the rotation of the tender 25 on its pivot bar 70, the locking pin 73 now being placed in an appropriate hole 74 of FIG. 6 to lock the tender 25 in this parallel angular orientation.

While the tender 25 is locked at its pivot end to the described parallel angular orientation, there is a possibility that the free end of the tender 25 may swing or may oscillate during the towing operation, and in order to avoid this the free end of tender 25 should be anchored. However, the anchor preferably should be such that when the tank 15 is elevated, this elevating action does not distort the tender structure.

Such an anchoring arrangement is shown in FIG. 8. This shows the outer support rod 61. An O-shaped retainer 75 is affixed to the support rod structure and has a U-shaped retaining bar 76 is affixed to a portion of the framework of trailer 10.

The operation of the retainer is as follows. When the tank 15 is lowered, the tender 25 is placed in its parallel orientation, and upon lowering the tank the end of the retainer bar 76 enters the retainer 75, thus anchoring the free end of the tender 25 against swinging and oscil lation.

When the tank 15 is elevated at the construction site, the elevating action automatically raises the retainer 75 from the retainer bar 76 thus avoiding binding and distortions of the tender structure 25.

It will be noted that the retainer 75 is illustrated as being O-shaped, but it is obvious that any open top shape may be used, i.e., a J-shaped, a U-shaped, a V- shaped, a Y-shaped, etc. In case such an open top retainer is used, the-support rod structure 60/61 will just drop into the open portion of the retainer when the tank is lowered, would rise freely from the open top retainer when the tank is raised, and would be restrained from swinging or oscillating in the towing configuration.

SUMMARY The present invention has innumerable advantages over prior art systems.

First of all, it is a remote control system that is of particular use for undeveloped areas that do not have facilities for sophisticated apparatus and the like. Second, the disclosed invention is particularly adapted for use by tanker trucks. Third, the present invention requires minimal modifications of the tanker. Fourth, the present invention obviates the need for a tank attendant. Fifth, the entire fill-up operation may be handled by the tanker driver. Sixth, the tanker driver does not have to leave his cab. Seventh, the disclosed invention does not require any particular skill or expertise on the part of the truck driver. Eighth, the disclosed system operates in the fail safe mode, shutting off completely in case of malfunction. Ninth, the disclosed system automatically handles tankers of different sizes, different lengths, different heights, different capacities, etc. Tenth, the present system may be of extremely rapid operation, thus minimizing the number of tankers and their down time. And finally, the present invention requires minimal set-up and take-down time.

While the instant invention has been shownand described herein in what is conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is recognized that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention, which is therefore not to be limited to the details disclosed herein.

What is claimed is:

1. Apparatus comprising:

a water tank adapted to hold a volume of water;

discharge means for discharging said water from said tank;

said discharge means comprising a normally closed discharge valve having an air actuated open state for permitting discharge of said water from said tank, and having a spring biased closed state for preventing the discharge of said water from said tank;

control means for controlling the state of said discharge valve;

said control means comprising an actuator device and a control hose connected at one end thereto for placing said discharge valve in said open state;

a quick disconnect plug being affixed to the other end of said control hose;

a mating quick coupling positioned at a control zone remote from said tank;

whereby an air supply is connected to said quick coupling, the insertion of said plug into said quick coupling actuates said discharge valve to its open state;

means for tending said control hose;

said hose tender means comprising a support means in fixed position adjacent said control zone, a portion of said hose spaced from said other end being on said support means whereby an operator in said control zone may reach said quick disconnect plug and connect the same to said mating quick coupling to thereby effect opening of said valve.

2. Apparatus comprising:

a tank adapted to hold a volume of liquid;

discharge means for discharging said liquid from said tank;

said discharge means comprising a discharge valve;

said discharge valve having an open state for permitting discharge of said liquid from said tank, and having a closed state for preventing the discharge of said fluid from said tank;

remote control means for controlling the state of said discharge valve;

said control means comprising air actuated means for placing said discharge valve in a selected one of said states;

said control means comprising a control hose that terminates in a separable element;

means for tending said control hose; and

said hose tender means comprising a telescoping arrangement for placing said separable element of said control hose at selected distances from said tank.

3. Apparatus comprising:

a tank adapted to hold a volume of liquid;

discharge means for discharging said liquid from said tank;

said discharge means comprising a discharge valve;

said dischargevalve having an open state for permitting discharge of said liquid from said tank, and having a closed state for preventing the discharge of said fluid from said tank;

- remote control means for controlling the state of said discharge valve;

said control means comprising air actuated means for placing said discharge valve in a selected one of said states;

said control means comprising a control hose that terminates in a separable element;

means for tending said control hose; and

pivot means for pivoting said hose tender means to selected angular orientations relative to said tank.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 including locking means for locking said pivot means at a given angular orientat- 5. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said hose tender means may be pivoted to an angular orientation that is substantially perpendicular to said tank.

6. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said hose tender means may be pivoted to an angular orientation that is substantially parallel to said tank.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 including means of restraining said hose tender means in said substantially parallel angular orientation.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said restraining means comprises an open top retainer.

9. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said restraining means comprises a substantially O-shaped retainer for permitting said hose tender means to drop into said O- shaped retainer, and for permitting said hose tender means to rise from said O-shaped retainer in a substantially vertical direction.

10. Apparatus comprising:

a water tank adapted to hold a volume of water;

discharge means for discharging said water from said tank;

said discharge means comprising a normally closed discharge valve having an air actuated open state for permitting discharge of said water from said tank, and having a spring biased closed state for preventing the discharge of said water from said tank;

control means for controlling the state of said discharge valve;

said control means comprising a control hose for placing said discharge valve in said open state;

one end of said control hose being connected to actuate said discharge valve;

a plug being affixed to the other end of said control hose;

a mating quick coupling positioned proximate a control zone;

whereby when an air supply is connected to said 12 quick coupling, the insertion of said plug into said quick coupling actuates said discharge valve to its open state;

. means for tending said control hose;

means comprises an open top retainer. 

1. Apparatus comprising: a water tank adapted to hold a volume of water; discharge means for discharging said water from said tank; said discharge means comprising a normally closed discharge valve having an air actuated open state for permitting discharge of said water from said tank, and having a spring biased closed state for preventing the discharge of said water from said tank; control means for controlling the state of said discharge valve; said control means comprising an actuator device and a control hose connected at one end thereto for placing said discharge valve in said open state; a quick disconnect plug being affixed to the other end of said control hose; a mating quick coupling positioned at a control zone remote from said tank; whereby an air supply is connected to said quick coupling, the insertion of said plug into said quick coupling actuates said discharge valve to its open state; means for tending said control hose; said hose tender means comprising a support means in fixed position adjacent said control zone, a portion of said hose spaced from said other end being on said support means whereby an operator in said control zone may reach said quick disconnect plug and connect the same to said mating quick coupling to thereby effect opening of said valve.
 2. Apparatus comprising: a tank adapted to hold a volume of liquid; discharge means for discharging said liquid from said tank; said discharge means comprising a discharge valve; said discharge valve having an open state for permitting discharge of said liquid from said tank, and having a closed state for preventing the discharge of said fluid from said tank; remote control means for controlling the state of said discharge valve; said control means comprising air actuated means for placing said discharge valve in a selected one of said states; said control means comprising a control hose that terminates in a separable element; means for tending said control hose; and said hose tender means comprising a telescoping arrangement for placing said separable element of said control hose at selected distances from said tank.
 3. Apparatus comprising: a tank adapted to hold a volume of liquid; discharge means for discharging said liquid from said tank; said discharge means comprising a discharge valve; said discharge valve having an open state for permitting discharge of said liquid from said tank, and having a closed state for preventing the discharge of said fluid from said tank; remote control means for controlling the state of said discharge valve; said control means comprising air actuated means for placing said discharge valve in a selected one of said states; said control means comprising a control hose that terminates in a separable element; means for tending said control hose; and pivot means for pivoting said hose tender means to selected angular orientations relative to said tank.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3 including locking means for locking said pivot means at a given angular orientation.
 5. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said hose tender means may be pivoted to an angular orientation that is substantially perpendicular to said tank.
 6. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said hose tender means may be pivoted to an angular orientation that is substantially parallel to said tank.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6 including means of restraining said hose tender means in said substantially parallel angular orientation.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said restraining means comprises an open top retainer.
 9. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said restraining means comprises a substantially O-shaped retainer for permitting said hose tender means to drop into said O-shaped retainer, and for permitting said hose tender means to rise from said O-shaped retainer in a substantially vertical direction.
 10. Apparatus comprising: a water tank adapted to hold a volume of water; discharge means for discharging said water from said tank; said discharge means comprising a normally closed discharge valve having an air actuated open state for permitting discharge of said water from said tank, and having a spring biased closed state for preventing the discharge of said water from said tank; control means for controlling the state of said discharge valve; said control means comprising a control hose for placing said discharge valve in said open state; one end of said control hose being connected to actuate said discharge valve; a plug being affixed to the other end of said control hose; a mating quick coupling positioned proximate a control zone; whereby when an air supply is connected to said quick coupling, the insertion of said plug into said quick coupling actuates said discharge valve to its open state; means for tending said control hose; said hose tender means comprising a telescoping arrangement for placing said plug of said control hose at selected distances from said tank; pivot means for pivoting said hose tender means to selected angular orientation relative to said tank; locking means for locking said hose tender means at a given angular orientation; means for restraining said hose tender means in an angular orientation that is substantially parallel to said tank; said quick coupling being positioned proximate the dashboard of a tanker truck.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said retaining means comprises an open top retainer. 